Best Books About Divorce for Kids

Vanessa M.:  This kid's guide book about divorce serves as a great resource for older children and tweens. The question/answer format makes it easy to flip through; the clear guidance helps kids sort through their feelings and answers their burning questions in a way that is accessible and age appropriate.

Lisa R:  For kids who seem to be blaming themselves during a divorce, this sweet book by Sandra Levins helps explain that the reasons behind a divorce go beyond what kids may see. The book is helpful for defining what a divorce is and explains what happens in a joint custody arrangement. Unlike some other books about divorce for kids, this story focuses slightly more on the kids' relationship with their dad.

Vanessa M.:  Just like Addison has two strong feet, he now also has two homes, one with Mommy and one with Daddy. Standing on My Own Two Feet by Tamara Schmitz utilizes bright pictures and simple, straightforward text to reach kids with a positive and reassuring message that no matter what they will always be loved by Mommy and Daddy.

Vanessa M.:  Beverly Cleary has a way of understanding the minds of children, and is able to cover a difficult topic with humor, heart, and in a way that will deeply resonate with young readers. Her award-winning children's novel, Dear Mr. Henshaw, follows 6th grader Leigh Botts as he struggles with his parents' separation and divorce, and moving to a new town. When a school assignment asks Leigh to write a letter to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, Leigh finds solace in his letters.

Erynn:  This insightful book is co-authored by two siblings, Zoe and Evan Stern, who experienced divorce firsthand and wanted to help other kids get through it, too. The book features "Dear Zoe" letters with common questions kids ask about divorce, plus commentary from the kids' mom and reflections from the now-adult kids on their childhood experiences.

Lisa R:  This comic-style book breaks down divorce into chapters, starting with "Divorce Words and What they Mean" followed by sections addressing living with only one parent, how to tell your friends, and beyond. The chapter format makes it easy to skip sections that don't apply to your family and quickly reference others. The book is easy to read with only a few simple panels on each page. Some panels briefly address mature topics (fighting, parents drinking) that don't apply to every divorce.

Beth Wood:  This book can be a great resource for kids going through a divorce, to help them understand and process their emotions. Sometimes as parents, we might not always have the rights words to say, so providing kids with a quality self-help book can be a great idea during difficult times.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Fred Stays With Me! by Nancy Coffelt is about a little girl whose parents are divorced. She splits her time between her mom and her dad, and while certain things are different, many things remain the same, such as going to the same school. But her main constant is her dog, Fred, who lives with her no matter which house she is in.

This book reassures children of divorced parents that even though they may have more than one home, there are consistencies and aspects of their lives that will remain the same, especially with the help of their parents to make that happen.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This book about divorce for kids tells the story of Henry, a little boy of divorced parents, and his dog Pomegranate. Henry's dog stays with him as he shares his time between his mom's and dad's new homes. When Pomegranate goes to their old family house, the whole family comes together to find him. Henry realizes that home is with his mom or dad, not a physical house.

This book will help young kids of divorced parents appreciate that even though their physical house may change, their real home is being with each loving parent, no matter the address.

Lisa R:  Oliver has a lot of changes to cope with: his parents just divorced, he is starting a new school, and he has to get used to living in two different homes. Oliver has trouble accepting change and making new friends, but soon becomes part of the gang and is even able to help the next "new kid" join in too! Through it all, Oliver's stuffed lion stays with him to give him courage. Simply written and illustrated, kids will love reading this book for the story alone.

Lisa R:  This important book by Patrice Karst introduces kids to the idea of being apart from a loved one and lets them know that they are loved no matter what. In the book, a mother comforts her children by telling them that they are always connected by an invisible string that you can feel in your heart. The sweetly told story is a useful jumping off point to talk with kids dealing with any type of separation anxiety or changes in their family, not just divorce.

Kelly R.:  This simple book about divorce by Claire Masurel presents a child with a two-household living situation in a straightforward and unbiased way, focusing on portraying the positive logistics of this family dynamic as opposed to explaining rationale. The child illustrated in the story lives a perfectly normal life divided between mom's house and dad's house, with toys, friends, bedrooms, toothbrushes, and plenty of love at each.